Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully intercepted a cross-border fuel smuggling attempt and arrested 16 suspected terrorists in ongoing operations across the North-East Theatre of Nigeria, the military has confirmed.

According to the Nigerian Army, soldiers from 3 Battalion (Mechanised), acting on intelligence, intercepted 19 jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and two carts along suspected smuggling routes in Gamboru/Ngala Local Government Area, Borno State, near the Nigeria–Cameroon border. The suspects reportedly fled, abandoning the illicit fuel before troops secured the area.

In a separate operation along the Biu–Buratai–Kamuya road, troops apprehended 16 individuals who initially claimed to be members of hybrid forces. Searches of the suspects led to the seizure of ammunition, magazines, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, military kits, and multiple mobile phones, suggesting involvement in terrorist logistics.

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Troops also recovered a motorcycle previously stolen by terrorists during an attack in neighbouring Yobe State, highlighting efforts to deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Additionally, troops engaged insurgents in a brief firefight in Chibok Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat without reported casualties among security forces.

All operations were conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, which involves sustained patrols, clearance missions, and aggressive offensive actions in Sectors 3 and 4 of the North-East Theatre. These missions aim to disrupt terrorist supply chains, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain pressure on insurgent elements.

Military authorities emphasised that the arrested suspects will be handed over to appropriate agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Commanders also urged local communities to continue providing credible intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness and civilian security.

The military described the recent operations as a significant blow to terrorist logistics, underscoring its commitment to protecting civilians, securing communities, and degrading the capabilities of insurgent groups in the North-East.

Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects

The Nigerian military has confirmed the death of a 14‑year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State, and has arrested five suspects in connection with the incident. The tragedy reportedly occurred during celebratory gunfire at a wedding in the Costain area of the city.

According to Lt. Col. Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the girl was struck by a stray bullet fired by vigilantes later identified as members of an escorts team linked to a Local Government Chairman. The incident took place around 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

Troops from Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), quickly traced and apprehended five suspects: Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18). The suspects are now in custody and will be handed over to authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

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The military condemned the act, describing it as “highly unprofessional, unauthorized, and a clear violation of regulations governing firearms.” It reiterated that the CJTF operates strictly as a support group and is prohibited from engaging in indiscriminate shooting in civilian areas.

A comprehensive investigation is underway in collaboration with relevant state authorities, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to determine the full circumstances of the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

While security forces say the overall situation in the area remains calm, troops have been placed on heightened vigilance to maintain order. The military also extended condolences to the victim’s family, reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, and civilian protection.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. AI highlighted that the girl was inside her home when struck and warned that the reckless use of firearms by security or affiliated groups raises serious civilian safety concerns.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter firearms regulation and greater oversight of vigilante groups operating in support of security agencies, emphasizing the need to protect innocent civilians from such tragedies.

Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects

NGE, SERAP, NUJ Petition Tinubu to Investigate Wike’s Threat Against TV Journalist

The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), the Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have petitioned President Bola Tinubu to investigate a controversial remark by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which was interpreted as a threat against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.

The groups, in a joint statement, condemned Wike’s comment and urged the federal government to conduct a thorough, transparent, and effective investigation. They emphasized the need to ensure the safety and protection of journalists against intimidation and harassment while carrying out their duties.

Wike’s controversial statement came during a media interaction in Abuja last Friday. Responding to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today regarding concerns over the 2027 elections and the potential dominance of a single party, Wike said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The remark sparked nationwide criticism, with media groups describing it as a threat to press freedom.

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Although Wike later clarified that his comment was figurative and expressed regret, NGE, SERAP, and NUJ warned that such rhetoric is dangerous and undermines the constitutional rights of journalists. They highlighted growing pressures on press freedom in Nigeria, noting that the country dropped ten places to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, amid increasing reports of assaults, arrests, and intimidation against journalists.

The organisations also called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with relevant agencies to investigate threats against media practitioners and hold perpetrators accountable. They stressed that public officials must remain open to scrutiny and criticism and that journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear.

In addition, the groups cautioned against the use of lawsuits to intimidate journalists, known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), and urged the government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and the protection of press rights.

The petitions reflect a broader concern over escalating threats to journalists in Nigeria and signal a call for decisive government action to safeguard democratic accountability and freedom of expression.

NGE, SERAP, NUJ Petition Tinubu to Investigate Wike’s Threat Against TV Journalist